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Author: Moses Nyambalo Phiri

  • UPDATED ESMPs

    UPDATED ESMPs

    Updated ESMPs – Public Health Institute of Malawi (PHIM)

    UPDATED ESMPs

    The Government of Malawi through Public Health Institute of Malawi (PHIM) is committed to ensuring that all projects are implemented in an environmentally and socially responsible manner. Our Environmental and Social Management Plans (ESMPs) outline the measures taken to identify, mitigate, and monitor potential impacts associated with project activities. Below you will find updated ESMPs for various ongoing projects, reflecting our dedication to sustainable development and adherence to national regulations and international best practices, including the World Bank Environmental and Social Framework.

    Chileka Airport Quarantine Unit building

    Chileka Airport Quarantine Unit

    This ESMP addresses the rehabilitation of an unoccupied house at Chileka Airport into a Quarantine Unit. The project aims to strengthen public health preparedness by converting the structure to meet infection prevention and control standards, involving demolition, structural work, and utility upgrades.

    Key Focus: Air/Noise pollution, OHS risks, GBV/SEA risks, Waste management, Traffic disruption.

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    Mzimba Primary Health Care Unit

    Mzimba Primary Health Care Unit

    This plan details the refurbishment of the Mzimba Hospital Primary Health Care (PHC) unit, a training school for Health Surveillance Assistants (HSAs), along with associated staff houses and toilets. The project seeks to improve the dilapidated learning environment and sanitation facilities.

    Key Focus: Job creation, Service disruption, Waste generation, Pollution, Health risks (OHS, GBV/SEA, diseases).

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    Bwaila Molecular Laboratory building exterior

    Bwaila Molecular Laboratory

    Focusing on repurposing an old chapel at Bwaila Hospital into a Molecular Laboratory, this ESMP aims to enhance diagnostic capabilities. The project involves demolishing the old structure and constructing a new, optimized facility for PCR testing and related functions.

    Key Focus: Traffic congestion, Construction pollution, OHS hazards, GBV/SEA risks, Waste management, Child labor risks.

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    Machinga Molecular Laboratory and Placenta Pit area

    Machinga Molecular Laboratory & Placenta Pit

    This ESMP covers repurposing an abandoned building at Machinga District Hospital into a Molecular Laboratory and constructing a new placenta pit, aiming to boost diagnostic capacity and improve waste management hygiene.

    Key Focus: Demolition/Construction impacts, Traffic disruption, OHS risks, GBV/SEA potential, Specific placenta pit waste protocol.

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    Mponela Primary Health Care Unit buildings

    Mponela Primary Health Care Unit

    Addressing the rehabilitation of the Mponela PHCU, an HSA training facility, this ESMP covers upgrading dilapidated infrastructure including classrooms, hostels, offices, and staff houses to improve the learning environment.

    Key Focus: Construction accidents, Pollution, OHS risks, Disease spread, GBV/SEA risks, Land/Water impacts.

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    Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital entrance

    QECH Rehabilitation (Ward 4A, Theatre, Kitchen)

    This plan covers major rehabilitation at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital (QECH), focusing on Ward 4A, the Main Operating Theatre, Kitchen, and selected Corridors to upgrade critical infrastructure and improve service delivery.

    Key Focus: Service disruption (Relocation plans), OHS risks (Asbestos handling), Pollution, Waste management, Traffic impacts.

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    Zomba Central Hospital building with blue accents

    ZCH Rehabilitation (Radiology, Dental, Paediatric, Maternity)

    Detailing rehabilitation works at Zomba Central Hospital for the Radiology, Dental Unit, Paediatric Ward, and Maternity Wing, this ESMP aims to improve essential healthcare infrastructure and service capacity.

    Key Focus: Significant service disruption, OHS risks (Asbestos), Waste management, GBV/SEA risks, Power line safety.

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    Mwanza Primary Health Care Unit exterior with people

    Mwanza Primary Health Care Unit

    This ESMP addresses the rehabilitation of the PHCU at Mwanza District Hospital, an HSA training school, focusing on upgrading library/classrooms, kitchen/hostels, offices, and staff houses to improve the learning environment.

    Key Focus: Traffic congestion, OHS risks, GBV/SEA potential, Waste management, Land/Water impacts (sand mining).

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    Zomba Oxygen Plant housing structure

    Zomba Oxygen Plant Housing

    This ESMP details the construction of housing for a new Oxygen Gas Plant at Zomba Central Hospital, essential for providing a reliable medical oxygen supply. The project involves building a dedicated structure for the PSA system and associated facilities.

    Key Focus: Life & Fire Safety (L&FS), OHS risks (fire/explosion), Community health risks, Construction noise/dust, Waste generation.

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    Environmental and Social Accountability

    PHIM encourages all stakeholders to review these documents and submit feedback to ensure transparency and accountability.

  • ToT On Cholera Lab Diagnostics and Training on Cholera Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs)

    ToT On Cholera Lab Diagnostics and Training on Cholera Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs)

    Strengthening the Frontline

    NPHL, Lilongwe – October 17, 2025
    by
    Moses Nyambalo Phiri in collaboration with Happy Abraham Manda, and Settie Kanyanda.
    Supported by GTFCC and WHO – Malawi.
    PHIM: Training of Trainers on Cholera Diagnostics

    The Challenge: A Persistent Threat

    The training session were officially opened by the Director for PHIM, Dr. Mathew Kagoli, he outlined the critical public health challenge that necessitated this high-level training and addressed the ongoing struggle with cholera and the urgent need for enhanced surveillance and rapid diagnostic capabilities across the nation.

    “Why is Malawi still struggling with cholera in the 21st century, while resources are being poured daily for intervention? This could improve if surveillance of cholera is taken seriously by the laboratory, and all depends on the participants’ efforts in applying the knowledge learned as early as possible.”

    — Dr. Matthew Kagoli, Director of PHIM

    Our Strategy: The 7-1-7 Approach

    A core component of the training was the introduction of the 7-1-7 framework, a global standard for managing public health emergencies. The following breaks down the three critical timelines for an effective response.

    7

    Days to Detect

    Every public health threat must be detected within seven days of its emergence.

    1

    Day to Notify

    Confirmed threats must be reported to national authorities within one day.

    7

    Days to Respond

    A comprehensive, effective response must be initiated within seven days of notification.

    Training in Action: Theory to Practice

    This section provides a look inside the intensive Training of Trainers program. The curriculum was carefully designed to blend foundational knowledge with critical, hands-on laboratory skills, ensuring participants are equipped to become effective trainers in their home districts.

    In the Classroom: Building Knowledge

    Participants engaged in didactic sessions covering the strategic frameworks, diagnostic protocols, and the latest advancements in cholera surveillance. These sessions, led by experts from WHO and PHIM, laid the theoretical groundwork for the practical exercises to follow. Use the arrows to see more.

    In the Lab: Honing Skills

    The cornerstone of the ToT was intensive, hands-on laboratory work. Dressed in full personal protective equipment, participants practiced sample handling, culturing, and interpretation of both conventional diagnostics and Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs), ensuring proficiency and standardization. Use the arrows to see more.

    Key Voices: Leadership & Partnership

    The success of this initiative is driven by strong leadership and collaboration. This section highlights the perspectives of key figures from PHIM and its partners, whose guidance and support were instrumental during the training.

    “She emphasised the need to impart knowledge to laboratory personnel to do more surveillance on cholera and other outbreak-prone infections.”

    — WHO Representative

    “The selection was not just for granted, but being the districts that are prone to Cholera, they were worthy to be considered.”

    — Mr. Joseph Bitilinyu-Bangoh

    The training was coordinated by Mrs Dorothy Moyo Kalata who also acted as MC during opening remarked by invited delegates.

    — Mrs. Dorothy Moyo Kalata, Coordinator

    PHIM’s Commitment to a Cholera-Free Future

    This final section reflects on the long-term vision. This Training of Trainers initiative is a proactive step to strengthen the very foundation of Malawi’s public health system. By empowering laboratory professionals and embedding global best practices, PHIM is paving the way for a healthier nation, secure from the threat of cholera.

    Group photo of PHIM trainers and participants

  • FETP – Call for Applications.

    Call for Applications: Intermediate FETP – PHIM
    CLOSED
    Public Health Institute of Malawi Logo

    Public Health Institute of Malawi (PHIM)

    Ministry of Health

    Call for Applications

    Intermediate Field Epidemiology Training Program (FETP) – Cohort 4

    1. Background & Program Goal

    The Ministry of Health (MoH) through the Public Health Institute of Malawi (PHIM), with funding from the World Bank and in collaboration with the US CDC and I-TECH, invites applications for the fourth cohort of the Intermediate Field Epidemiology Training Program (FETP).

    This 9-month in-service course targets public health workers at national and sub-national levels to enhance their capacity in:

    • Public health surveillance data analysis and system evaluations.
    • Outbreak investigation and response (descriptive and analytical epidemiology).
    • Use of statistical software like R for epidemiologists.
    • Public health operational research design and dissemination.
    The program aims to strengthen the country’s epidemiologic capacity and accelerate progress towards the Global Health Security Agenda target of one trained field epidemiologist per 200,000 population.

    2. Eligibility Requirements

    The training is open to current technical staff employed within the Ministry of Health (MoH), the Department of Animal Health & Livestock Development (DAHLD) in the Ministry of Agriculture, or the Ministry of Natural Resources and Climate Change.

    Specific Applicant Requirements:

    • Role: Officers responsible for compilation/analysis of surveillance data, outbreak investigation, operational research, and public health communication at district, regional, or national level.
    • Education: Undergraduate degree or higher in Health Sciences, Animal Health, Environmental Science OR Diploma and Frontline FETP Certificate from a recognized institution.
    • IT Skills: Basic computer knowledge and skills (Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point).
    • Equipment: Access to a laptop throughout the 9-month training period.
    • Vision: Demonstrate a clear vision on how the knowledge gained will improve public health surveillance systems, outbreak response, and data quality.
    • Commitment: An interest in becoming a mentor for subsequent FETP Intermediate cohorts.

    3. Course Summary & Structure

    This is a 9-month competence-based in-service training. Trainees spend 25% (8 weeks) in face-to-face workshops and 75% (25 weeks) in the field at their work stations, applying skills to real public health challenges.

    Core Competencies Gained:

    • Public health/Disease surveillance
    • Outbreak investigation and response
    • Design and conduct of epidemiological studies
    • Data management, analysis, and interpretation for decision making
    • Public health communication

    Training Timeline Overview (9 Months)

    Workshop 1

    Weeks 1-2 & Weeks 3-8 (On-the-job)

    Surveillance systems, Data analysis, Outbreak investigation, Epi Info Part 7

    Workshop 2

    Weeks 9-10 & Weeks 11-16 (On-the-job)

    Project Presentation, Observational studies, Study Protocol, Sampling & sample size

    Workshop 3

    Week 17 & Weeks 18-24 (On-the-job)

    Public health communication, Technical report writing

    Workshop 4

    Week 25 & Weeks 26-31 (On-the-job)

    Analyze Group Project Data, Report Development, Oral Presentation skills

    Workshop 5

    Weeks 32-33

    Finalize Report, Oral Presentation, Closing Ceremony

    Start Date: The first workshop (Module 1) is scheduled for Monday, 17th November, 2025.

    4. Application Procedure & Deadline

    1. Application Closed: The application period for Cohort 4 has now closed as of October 16, 2025.
    Download Form (Application Closed) NOTE: The application deadline was Thursday, 16th October, 2025.

    2. Required Documents: All applications must include:

    • A thoroughly filled Application Form (endorsed by your supervisor).
    • Copies of Certificates of relevant professional training (Diploma or Degree).
    • A Motivational Letter explaining how the knowledge and skills gained from the course will help in improving public health surveillance systems, outbreak detection and response, and day-to-day work responsibilities.

    3. Submission: Completed applications should be submitted via email to both addresses below:

    Final Application Deadline

    Thursday, 16th October, 2025

    Close of Business (COB)

    5. Further Information

    For further inquiries, please contact:

    Dr. Amir Juya

    FETP Intermediate Resident Advisor

    Email: ajuya@itech-malawi.org

    Phone: 0985 591 951

    Grace Funsani

    Head of Capacity Building and POE

    Email: grace.funsani@health.gov.mw

    Phone: 0999 950 398